MONSON — The Monson Arts Council's membership drive is underway and scheduled to end with a meet-and-greet social event on Jan. 11, at 8 p.m. at the House of Art, 200 Main St.

The event, featuring wine, cheese and music, is a chance for members to mingle and make new friends. The snow date is Jan. 12.

Monson House of ArtRepublican file photo

The drive marks the beginning of a new fee schedule and new benefits for members. The drive has brought many new and familiar faces to the Arts Council, including past members who rejoined the group, according to council officials.

The new annual membership fees for 2013 are as follows: Individuals, $20; families, $25; patrons, $40; business patrons, $60; and benefactors, $100. More information is available by visiting the Art Council's website at www.MonsonArtsCouncil.com.

Monson Garden Club offers beautification grants

MONSON — Want to do something to beautify and liven up the community? Well, how about applying for a beautification grant from the Monson Garden Club, which has a total of $1,000 set aside for projects in 2013.

The club will award grants ranging from $100 to $500 to any town group or organization that creates a landscaping project that benefits the community. Applications are available at Monson Free Library, 2 High St. Additional information is available by calling Norma Germain at (413) 374-7770, or by writing the Monson Garden Club, P.O. Box 307, Monson, MA, 01057.

"Last year, we gave $1,000 to the town for trees," Germain said, referring to replanting efforts in formerly wooded sections of Monson that were scoured by the June 2011 tornado.

"We have no trees on my block," said Germain, who lives on Stewart Avenue, which was among the hardest-hit streets in town.

For 2013, though, the club decided to get back to its roots, offering small grant opportunities for anyone seeking to enhance the town with landscaping projects, Germain said.